Wednesday, January 9, 2008

feelin kinda down rite now...

Im not gettin nowhere really... My track machine is busted. Random joints? Dont know if/when its comin out. Im pretty tired of the monetary not balancing out with the talent...Just kinda played out rite now. Never been the most optimistic person. I know Im good at what I do...must not be good enuff tho. I must either be doin sumthin wrong or not doin the rite things to make stuff happen. I know im not wack. Its strange that I send beats out to artist and dont really get the response back like i think Im gonna get. People always have opinions on what I should do. Its a good thing I have this part time job 2 make a little money.(key word:LITTLE) Imma call protech 2moro n see if anything can be done with this board... RBI came thru to finish the cuts for the THIRD time and that joint froze up AGAIN...I notice theres alot of people that dont like my "style" of "music". I get aloooooot of hate. I was just tellin LMNO not 2 pay attention to the haters... Im not tryin 2 start the new year off like this. Im probably not gonna post up on here to much for a while. I feel like I shouldnt be on the computer so much...maybe then I can get sum other things in my life 2gether....

61 comments:

'Scuse my language but fuck that Kev!! You can't leave son! Besides Low Budget and the Justus League I would have no reason to listen to hip hop. I pray that whatever you're going through will be greater later, I believe I saw a quote earlier today from Skillz and he said "if you love what you do, the money will come"...

to be honest i think a lot of people just arent into the jazzier beats like they used to be. Most succesful sampling producers today are on the Kanye soul tip or theyre just bugged the f out like Madlib. They'll catch on tho Kev. Low Budget!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Continue to be you...You may have more fans then you think. The economy is bad for hip-hop right now and most people don't know what old school hip-hop is cause they never hear it on the radio. How can most of these people like your stuff if they aren't used to it and don't give it a chance? Keep pushing on brother, your passion and patience will be rewarded. Positivity is key, your work will spread. "I do what I do" is a classic in my mind. Its chill for the young men. Not so much the catchy kiddy macarena soulja boy or whatever other jibberish out there. A lot of people criticized 9th and he has kept his style for the people. Keep it up.

Wack ass managers who lie all the time.A&Rs with no knowledge of hiphop only asking for "club bangers".Everybody's either stans or haters.Being labeled a "backpacker" bcuz you don't do electro-pop type rap.Getting mad love, but no dough.Industry cats saying they like your music but don't return your calls or emails.Artists stealing your music.Dealing with industry middlemen with no real decision-making power.Having to work a bullshit job while pursuing your true calling.Ppul who wanna be friends with you just to get some free beats.Can't keep a girlfriend bcuz she feels she has to compete with your music to get your attention.Seeing wack cats gaining success while you struggle to pay the rent/mortgage.Getting older.

These are things I go thru as a producer. If you can relate, join the "struggling artists club". The only thing that keeps me goin is knowing that I have no other alternative. This is it, music. I can't work in an office cubicle for the rest of my life and take orders from some overdemanding supervisor. These are the cards I was dealt. I can't guage my success by dollars generated. I have to guage my success by the fact that I relentessly keep going. That, in and of itself, is the challenge.

Keep your head up and stay strong kev! fuck people that aint payin, you spreadin the word of the culture all over the world i dont know what the underground scene should be without kev, lowbudget. damn.. / Fans from sweden!

Yo Kev, forget these no talented haters. These are the guys that wish they had your shine. If you keep making your music like u always been doing your going to have a great legacy. I think your an important person in the underground scene here in D.C. You've paved the way for many guys here and help sparked a movement. These youngin in the background lookup to you homie. In 5 to 10 years these cats are going to praise what your doing like how our generation praises Pete Rock, Large Pro etc .. I understand that your going through a rough patch right now but think about all of the people around the world you have inspired musically. Your one of the guys that proves that you don't need a whole studio set up to produce dope tracks. In so may words your explaining to the public that talent comes first. That is big!

Stay up Kev!! And good luck on getting your multitrack machine fixed at Protech. There pretty good at fixing stuff over there. They fixed my MPC LED screen when it was unreadable.

Im From New Zealand And I Gotta Tell You Im Listening To Your Stuff That I Payed For Every Day And Every Buck I Spent On It Was Worth It. I Would Pay $100 Bucks For Every Album You Make Cause Its That Good No Doubt. Your A Top Producer If You Were Ever To Put Down Your Shit Down I Would Go Ape Shit Hahaha You Know What I Mean. Your Making Soul Food For Me And Im Very Greatful. Every Track You Make Is A Hit In My World So Keep On. From A True Hip Hop Fan

Damn Kev. I can understand that youre down from not getting the respect/credit that you are due, but for real man, dont be so hard on yourself, your skills are hard to find these days. Its understandable that the whole money issue and not getting paid is frustrating, but keep doin what youre doin man. Things will eventually fall into the right place. Why dont you start/keep putting out hot ass rare gems on youtube. Do a beat, write a verse or two, and have Roddy Rod shoot some Low Budget video. BAM! Keep spreadin the word. If you want more people to hear what you do then slam so much heat on the masses they dont know what hit them. All in all, dont stop what youre doing man, because its way too good to go by the wayside. Fuck the haters.

sorry kev. not an option mang. greatness takes time... you hang up that hat and admit defeat... you are leaving all us other soldiers out here without a general... without a mold to fill and build off of. i cant imagine people hatin on the music? what the fuck could they say? not enough casio? not enough bullshit r&b hookery? not enough gun talk?

i kid you not. only three times in life have i heard music and had my life changed. your music, bjork's music, and dilla's music. we all struggle. ever since "allways" i been praying that this brother dont fall victim to the self-doubt and incongruency of the hiphop game. the fight is what makes us seasoned and true innovators. stay up bro. god bless you and what you do to the music...

Kev,you got a lot of respect on the underground, but the bad thing is that you're not very known even in the "underground circuit". Anyway a lot of ours see you as one of the most talented.

As people is saying succes will come for you because you deserve it. IMO, the only thing you must do is to stay real and continue doing good music. I'm half agree with Stylus comments, you probably need a team, but I prefer a little good and friendly team than a team that comes just 4 interest.

I don't know what's going on with the undeground fans in USA, but you can see that out there you got a lot of respect.

RZA said something like "Europe fans are more into Real Hip Hop than USA fans". I already knew it anyway but that should make you think. Maybe things are not going good for you in USA, but the world is bigger than that! Moreover my brazilian friend (from Sao Paulo) is asking me EVERY week for the release of the versatility joint, so please hit the streets with that album soon!

PS: english isn't my mother tongue, I hoppe you understannded what I mean

Kev, keep the momentum. Always on, never off! I think you got a lot more fans than u think! You, Oddisee at Low Budget and the Justus League crew are on the front line keeping hip-hop alive. WE NEED GOOD MUSIC!

What can Brown do for me?! Stop being down man! for real. People struggling ALL over the world, people in SERIOUS life/death situations, ya know? Please keep some perspective about our short life on this planet and get back to being creative!

I feel for you on an artistic level Kev... the industry is what is but you gotta keep doing your thing. In my book, you're up there with the greatest already. Keep at it!

You can't experience the up's without having the downs. You've got the talent to accomplish anything. I hope you don't change your style of music, really don't see Kev Brown appealing to sixteen year old girls who's main concern is buying that next coach bag.

I don't know man, I can't count the number of times I've listened to 'Always". Just wanted to thank you for the music and wish you luck with your future.

***MESSAGE FOR KEV*** Ay Kev, you may or may not be aware but I just heard a beat of yours on MTV Cribs, it was an episode featuring Three Six Mafia and some soccer player. If you know about it cool, but if not, sounds like lawyer time homie. lol. Peace and love. Hope you get this...

Here is my two cents for what it's worth. There is no lack of talent. You have to market yourself a bit better (an i dont mean going candy or changing anything). You just got to be good about telling the KEV BROWN story.

Just continue to make good music like you do for YOUR fan base. When doing music it's about what makes you and others happy. Don't try to cater to an audience that isn't going to appreciate your style. All of that frustration and stress isn't worth it and certainly isn't healthy. Everyone isn't going to like you, just continue to Shake It Off.

Fuck the haters Kev. Keep doin' what U do Fam. U got fans. U will take control of all your beats and control your distribution in the future....and get your money for your work. Just keep at it. I know you will.

You inspire me with my production and on top of that I just love your music. Everybody get's down especially if your an underground producer not getting business and getting screwed over by the few mc's that want stuff. Keep your head and and just know you have LOYAL fans,not many new producers/rappers can say that.

i agree with chris from toronto. Kev, your talented man...those no doubt about that. my opinion is that we dont hear enough from you. We got "i do what i do" and "exclusive joints". but thats pretty much it besides guests appearances...im sure if you were to pump out mixtapes every few months, your bound to get a bigger buzz man....hell even do what LB, skyzoo, and oddissee did...just make em free and they are bound to circulate and make a bigger kev brown buzz.

Dunno if you'll see this Kev man but I had to post something after reading your 1.9.08 blog. I know it's easier said than done when numbers aren't adding up, but you have to keep your head up! Your tracks capture feeling and emotion in a manner unlike anything else I've ever heard. Your voice and beats are God given man. I know I'm not alone when I say a lot of memories in recent years... of times good and bad... play back in my mind over a Kev Brown soundtrack. Stick to your guns man... people will recognize the musical void you fill.

do u suffer from depression I notice you're really down at times an/or umm look at the negative alot? maybe I'm wrong but if so...how long have u been like that an yo!! ur beats are fuckin sick dont stop nigga you're the truth!!!!! :)

Yo Kev keep ya head up bro'!We are many people diggin' your style. If some people talk shit about your stuff fuck them, just ignore them. The world don't know shit about real music. Just look at the billboard or the Mtv and BET charts... There's like 99% percent of the youth listening to the same wack shit all day long on the radio. As a real talented artist, u should forget about them and concentrate on the 1% left. Cuz these are the people who know music and recognize talent and skills. And even though this small market is really not as lucrative as the mainstream, I think gettin props from real people should be important too.Where I live it's impossible to make a livin out of music so gettin a part time job doosn't that dramatic to me. Anyway, the Randomn Joint is dope, the LMNO project is damn hot too, don't worry u'll get what u deserve if u keep on doing your thing, u'll get the money one day. For the moment you have our respect from us, the real people!

Oh and I just read some of the comments above and I think "thisistomorrow" is right.

You should try to sell your beats to european Mc's.

Coming from there I know that some of the biggest underground heads are here in europe and I'm convinced that you should focus a bit more on the european market. Try to connect with the people you know in France and Germany.

And no offense to your fellow americans but we have less people listening to bad mainstream shit here than in the USA.

1st of all. HOT BEAT Kev! I can hear your somber mood through the melody but I also hear that sparkle of hope that ALL Kev Brown tracks effortlessly sport. You have a gift.

I just stopped by because I needed to let you know. I am in australia and have been listening to you for a couple of years. I aspire to make beats to a kev brown level one day.

Big homie don't let it get you down for too long. I too spend a major part of my life in a depressed status. All it really gets me is more depressed. On a personal level I need to learn that if I can feel it in my heart soon others will too and then it will all come back around...

Just don't beat ya self up Kev. I've actually had a really shitty day just thinkin bout you being depressed. You put too much love into this industry to let it cheat on you now.

Stay strong homie and goodluck.

YOU ARE A TRUE HIP HOP LEGEND IN THE EYES OF ALL WHO KNOW WHAT GOLDEN IS...

Man, every thing of Substance compromises the spotlight that "the Bullshit" (to quote Jeru) gets. Round up a couple two three cats on the same Ish as you, and hit the spots with your shows and product man. The only way to get that ca$h. After the 3rd go round, the people will come...

Kev Brown you are one of the dopest man. This style is infinite just like time, this music shit just movin in cycles like all things. I'm 35 and grew up on Pete,Premiere, Tribe, that era is timeless. So feel I know where some of your musical essence is at with this. Thanks for doin you and consciously or unconsciously gatekeeping real Hip Hop and just good music in general. I'm not going to talk at you like you don't know the obvious industry crap veteren. You just feelin it right now. Just wanted to say keep banging, stay hungry baby boy your time is always now!

wow. on all the public forums where i've seen your music, since i first heard your music on a djs website, i've only read positive comments claiming that you're the example of "real hip hop." i really like your music. really really really do. thank you!

Yo Mr Kev Brown, it is said that even the Most High got weary! So it is not a shame to feel dow; Have a break if you feel that it is what you need. COme in di Caribbean to have a rest, refresh your mind before to go back to your things.Everyday people like all of us who are found of real hi-hop need your music and the whole Low Budget crew music.Remember what the Black Donte said :"there is a way!! No matter what they say!!"

WTF how can this be, that my new favorite artist, the king of the bassline, is not getting the love due...i won't name names, but some of my past favorites is making some garbage music, while kb is keeping it straightforward.

anyway, keep your head up. maybe i'll not be broke sooner than later, and can hire you as my Chief Beatmaker lol...just like chillen at the crib...everyone, this one dude's my chef from france, and let me introduce to you Kev Brown, my Chief Beatmaker from landover

Another South African here. I really fell in love with your work when you did that track for Baby Blak (track 7)... The Jazzy Jeff stuff was good but there was a chemistry btwn you and Baby Blak that you obvioulsy have not exploited.

I bought I Do What I Do and at first listen, I was not too sure, but the more I listened to it, the more I felt that you were actually as dope an MC as you are a producer. The album FUNKY. You are the KING OF THE BASSLINE!

The work you did with Kenn Starr was just dope! I have no words to explain this but i thought it was your best until I bought Selective Hearing.

Regarding the "money" issues I doubt that you will ever get paid as much as you think you should because honestly your work is not for the average fool on the street, my only advice is for you to hook up with a well known and well respected niche MC like Rakim and just bang out a full album. Please nothing less than 13tracks and pls STOP wasting funky basslines on 7second joints behind the main songs, its just not fair on us!

I wish you all the best and may you never be filthy rich but always have enough to never want financially!

And I gotta say you make 'real' music and beats that don't even compare to the random noise we hear these days that haters call hip hop(most music on top charts ). Man, you are on a better league...hard work pays off, what pays off even more is a positive attitude and thinking. Know that your work will succeed and it will. Best of luck and I hope to hear from new work from you soon. Peace bro!

friends...

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Biography

Kev Brown

American producer/artist hailing from Landover, Maryland, United States. Member of the MD/Washington, DC-based hip hop collective Low Budget.

Kev Brown's soulful style of production has earned him comparisons to revered producers such as Pete Rock, who incidentally helped Brown's career gain some momentum after being introduced to him through Grap Luva.(Petes brother) The pair then went on to collaborate on "What Ruling Means", from Marley Marl's BBE Beat Generation installment Re-Entry (2001). His appearance alongside Grap Luva left an impression on the underground and he subsequently contributed a track to De La Soul's AOI: Bionix later that year.

Kev Brown continued to build his resume with contributions to DJ Jazzy Jeff's "The Magnificent" (2002). As a then-member of Jazzy Jeff's production-for-hire unit A Touch Of Jazz, Brown contributed no less than 7 tracks to the project yet it wasn't until his remix of Jay-Z's The Black Album, aptly titled "The Brown Album" was released in January, 2004 that he began to receive recognition.

As the first producer to do so (to date there are more than 100 submitted remixes of the project), Brown made use of Jay-Z's starpower and commercial appeal.

After numerous productions and collaborations with artists throughout 2003 and 2004, Brown made his debut in 2005 with "I Do What I Do" through the independent Up Above imprint. The single, "Life's A Gamble", followed in early 2006. Among current projects is "Random Joints"(re-released in 2012 with extra bonus material), 2012 also marks the beginning of the Low Budget Records imprint with a partnership with ReDefinition Records.

Production technique

Brown's style as a producer is recognizable for its subtle undertones and strong variety of musical influences. Noted for his complex sample chopping style, bass lines and authentic sounding percussion, he is often mentioned alongside like-minded producers Pete Rock and J Dilla, and has named the former as one of his main musical inspirations. Brown's own style is likable to, and may show some influence, in the work of fellow Low Budget producers Oddisee and DJ Roddy Rod.

As with most "classic" Hip-hop producers, Brown often employs the use of samples, mixed with his own instrumentation such as horns, bells, rhodes, and guitar plucks. His beats may range from the simpler 4-bar loops, to more intricate arrangements that include several layers, and in the case of his R&B tracks, bridge sections. As mentioned before, the most frequently noted aspect of Brown's musicality is his basslines, which he attributes to his study of producers such as Pete Rock, DJ Scratch and J Dilla. Like those producers Brown shows a jazz-minded sensibility, and uses his basslines to create space and nuances within a beat.